Undershoot: meaning, definitions and examples

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undershoot

 

[ˌʌndərˈʃʊt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

inaccurate measurement

To underestimate or fail to reach a target, boundary, or goal.

Synonyms

fall short, miss the mark, underestimate.

Examples of usage

  • He tends to undershoot the budget when estimating project costs.
  • The athlete undershot the finish line, costing him the race.
Context #2 | Noun

in shooting

The act of shooting below or short of a target.

Synonyms

falling short, missing the mark.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undershoot

Similar to its technical use, 'undershoot' can also apply in general contexts where outcomes do not meet expectations but fall short in a measurable way. The negative connotation still applies.

  • Predictive models have to account for the risk of undershooting actual demand.
  • Their forecast undershot the actual production capacity significantly.
falling short

This phrase is commonly used in everyday language to express failure in meeting expectations or objectives. It has a slightly negative connotation.

  • Despite their best efforts, the team fell short of winning the championship.
  • My performance on the test fell short of what I had hoped for.
missing the mark

This expression is typically used to indicate a failure to achieve a desired effect or result, often implying a lack of accuracy or precision. It has a negative connotation.

  • His attempts to fix the issue kept missing the mark, causing more frustration.
  • The marketing campaign missed the mark and did not resonate with the audience.

Examples of usage

  • The undershoot of the arrow was due to the strong wind.
  • Her consistent undershoots in archery practice indicated a need for adjustment.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from 'under,' meaning beneath or insufficient, and 'shoot,' referring to propelling something forward.
  • It was first used in the English language around the 20th century, primarily in technical contexts.
  • The word has roots in the Old English word 'sceotan,' which means to shoot, indicating a long history in English.

Science

  • In physics, undershooting can occur in projectile motion when an object doesn't reach its maximum trajectory due to insufficient force.
  • In aeronautics, pilots must calculate the correct approach speed; undershooting a landing could lead to a missed runway.
  • In space missions, if a spacecraft undershoots its intended path, it might not reach the target orbit, which stresses the importance of precision.

Sports

  • In sports like basketball or soccer, players often practice to avoid undershooting their shots, aiming for the hoop or goal to increase accuracy.
  • Undershooting can be a key factor in archery; missing the target means not applying enough draw weight on the bow.
  • In golf, golfers aim for precise distances to avoid undershooting their drives, which could leave them unable to reach the green.

Psychology

  • In decision-making theory, undershooting can relate to people's tendency to underestimate the risks or challenges of a situation.
  • Cognitive biases often lead individuals to undershoot their potential, causing them to set lower goals than achievable.
  • Behavioral economics shows that individuals may undershoot financial goals due to lack of confidence or poor planning.

Technology

  • In robotics, undershooting can occur when programming a robot to reach a specific point; insufficient calibration could cause it to miss the target.
  • Flight simulators are designed to help pilots avoid undershooting their approach by providing real-time feedback on speed and descent.
  • In video game design, character movements must be programmed accurately to avoid undershooting during jumps or other actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "undershoot" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subestimativa

🇮🇳 अल्प-क्षेपण

🇩🇪 Unterschreitung

🇮🇩 keterlambatan

🇺🇦 недостріл

🇵🇱 niedoszacowanie

🇯🇵 不足

🇫🇷 sous-estimation

🇪🇸 subestimación

🇹🇷 eksik atış

🇰🇷 부족

🇸🇦 تقدير أقل من الواقع

🇨🇿 podstřelení

🇸🇰 podstrel

🇨🇳 低估

🇸🇮 podcenjevanje

🇮🇸 vanmat

🇰🇿 жеткіліксіз

🇬🇪 დაუფასებლობა

🇦🇿 az qiymətləndirmə

🇲🇽 subestimación